I do not own anything in this story accept the plot. The characters and the plot all belong to Brenda Hampton and ABC Family.
The elevator ride down to the mail-room was quiet as Ben and Leo stood, waiting for their floor. Ben looked at his father for a moment and began to remember back to when he was a kid of four years old and was so excited to finally get to see where his father worked. On that day he felt so grown up to be in the big building and in an elevator with his dad, and see just how things were done. He was mesmerized by the many people that worked in the offices, the computers set up on their desks, and even the ringing telephones that they answered.
He remembered how he couldn't wait to one day be working in this building with his dad, and to one day take over and sit in his father's big chair. That, was a long time ago Ben thought to himself now he felt somewhat stupid for how he was feeling now. When he was a kid he couldn't wait to be working here with his dad, but now he wanted to leave all of that behind because he was no longer that naïve little boy.
This is our floor Leo said as they got of the elevator on the fourth floor. This is where it all starts Ben so pay attention, Leo said as he looked at Ben with a serious expression. First I'm going to take you to the porter room where Stan will show you what you're gonna be doing, Leo said. Stan, since when did Stan become the manager of the mail-room, Ben replied. Well a lot of things have changed since you were here last, maybe now you will take a bigger interest in the company. Phillip retired a few months ago and moved to Florida to spend time with his family. Since Stan has been here almost as long as me, I decided since he had the most experience to give him the job.
Phil retired, Ben said in amazement. Geez I always thought Phil would be here when I took over the company he was like a permanent part of the place. What, Ben asked as he noticed Leo staring at him. Nothing I just felt kind of proud when you said that you would take over the company. That was a mistake, like I said this is your company, not mine, Ben replied. I know that, Leo said but I built this company for you and one day I do hope you will take over Ben. Well we'll see then won't we, Ben replied. Yeah I guess we will Leo stated, now feeling hopeful that he had not lost his son.
As Ben, and Leo got off the elevator Stan was waiting to meet them at the door to the mail-room. Ben was happy to see a familiar face, and grasped Stan's hand in a firm grip as he extended it happy to see Ben after so many years. Nice to See you Ben, Stan said with a happy tone. Its' been too long since you and I used to have our mail cart races, he said with a smile. Yeah, it has Ben said with his eyes shining reminiscing of those years past when he and Stan would play with the mail carts as the day ended. Well, maybe if you haven't gotten too old and out of practice we can have a rematch as I recall you are still behind by three races, Stan said jokingly. Okay, Ben said but I have to warn you my legs have grown since then. I can see that Stan said with a laugh.
Come, let me introduce you to the rest of my slaves, I mean interns, Stan said with a laugh. Stan was now 36 years old and stood at 6'2 and a light frame of only 145 lbs. He was very slender and blonde with kind blue eyes. He led Ben into a large room with mail inside a room piled high and stacked more than six feet high. Inside the room there were over twenty people taking the packages down reading labels, and sorting them into even more smaller piles. Beside them were another team of people all looking to be in their late teens, to early twenties. Among the group sorting mail Ben saw a familiar red haired girl sorting the mail. He smiled widely as he saw Dylan leaning down and reading a row of letters to be sorted.
THE BUTCHER SHOP
Ricky came from the back with a large rack of lambs in a box and began to unpack the box, just as Bunny came up from behind him. So, how is the wife or future wife, Bunny giggled as she came up. Fiancee, Ricky corrected her, and she's fine she's at work right now. Well, its nice to know that you two have finally decided to stop living in sin and for you to make an honest woman out of her, Bunny said jokingly. Amy, is an honest girl, but now she is going to be my wife, and while you're laughing at my expense could you give me hand, or have you forgotten I know longer have help with this. Sure thing, Bunny said as she helped Ricky unpack the box, and place the meat in a display.
So when am I going to get help with this I mean I can't do all this by myself now that Ben isn't here. Well, I am looking but not many have applied for part time work in a Butcher shop, at least not trustworthy people. What do you mean by that Ricky asked curiously. Let's just say a few girls stopped by asking about the job, and I recognized some of them from the tapes. What, Ricky asked amazed at what she said. Yeah, apparently your engagement has sent an uproar through the female community. A lot of them seem to want to work here to be next to you, and although I admire their enthusiasm I thought it better to hire someone who I haven't seen in one of your shirts.
Sorry for all that, Ricky replied I guess I never realized just how my past can catch up to me. Yeah, honey it always does, Bunny said sympathetically as she saw how forlorn Ricky looked for having slept with so many women. But, tell me how come Ben got the job working at the company and I'm still here unpacking the meat. I'm the one getting married, while he's the one getting divorced Ricky said annoyed.
Whoa, that was uncalled for there, or did you not just here every word you just said, Bunny answered. I'm sorry, but I have a family to support now, a wedding to start saving for, college tuition, and I still have to save up money to get a bigger place, Ricky replied. It's not that I think I deserve special treatment or that I don't feel sorry for Ben, but I have a lot of responsibility now, he stated.
Yeah, you do Bunny replied. But, you have to remember that doing all of those things is your responsibly, and Ben is Leo's responsibility. I know you thought that you would get the internship, but Leo decided that he wanted to be closer to Ben, he felt that in all that has been happening that Ben and he have grown apart. He believed that it was also time that since Ben is in his final year of high school he should get to know the company better, Bunny stated. But, Ben doesn't even want to be part of the company he just wants to use the company you've seen him, I don't know where his head is these days.
Well, that's because his head has been thinking about his daughter who died, his marriage that has fallen apart, and the fact that you and Amy are living the life he wanted to live with Amy, in his family's butcher shop apartment, Bunny stated. Bunny, is it my fault that his daughter died and things between he and Adrian didn't work out. I tried to warn him to take it slow, but he didn't listen, and now he gets rewarded for being so foolish. Ricky stated in a frustrated tone Ricky, Bunny said now feeling irritated.
How does losing his child, his marriage, and possibly his best friend, and wife become a reward. May I remind you that you live in a rent controlled apartment, with your child and his mother, while working downstairs. You are also getting a scholarship to college with this company, and getting married to the girl you love. It seems to me that you have enough rewards already.
I know, and I'm sorry it's just so frustrating living in that small apartment, not to mention the bills Amy and I have, are gonna start to pile up when I start college. Well, you were the one who asked her to move in with you so you could beat Ben and Adrian, and unfortunately the two of you got a sour victory, she replied. I didn't ask Amy to move in with me to compete against Ben and Adrian, I asked her to move in so we could spend more time together and so I could help her more with our son, he stated.
Ricky who are you trying to convince of that me or you. I guess myself he said sourly. Tell you what why don't you finish up here and then take the rest of the day off since business is slow today, Bunny replied. Really its only 4:30. I know but consider it an early wedding present, so don't expect anything at the bridal shower, she said with a smile. Thanks, Bunny Ricky said as he finished his work and headed upstairs to his apartment.
5:30 BOYKEWICH IND.
So, how did you get a job here Ben asked Dylan as they both started to punch in their time cards to go home. My dad is friends with Stan, they used to room together in college and since they needed a new set of interns he literally let me in on the ground floor, she said with a smile. Well that's great, maybe we can go to the movies after work since I missed our last rendezvous, Ben asked. I don't know I thought there was a strict no fraternization policy with employees, Dylan said with a smirk.
I would hate to have the boss's son fired Well, how about we go separately to see the same movie and if we end up sitting together, and go to the same restaurant to eat, it won't be fraternizing it will be a common coincidence, Ben said slyly. Okay maybe that can be arranged she said with a smile but make sure this time you call me she said, poking him in the chest. I will, Ben replied and headed out to meet Mike in the parking lot.
Mike drove up just in time to see Ben leave the building with a smile from ear to ear, and a glimmer in his eyes. Good day at work he asked as Ben got into the back seat. It was better than I expected, Ben replied. Is my dad going to be riding with us, Ben asked looking for Leo. No, he phoned ahead and let me know that he has an urgent matter that has come up and that I should take you home, there is something he wants' to discuss with you, Mike replied. Really is it anything serious Ben asked puzzled at the request his father made. I don't know, but it did sound serious, Mike replied.
Later at the BUTCHER SHOP APT.
Ricky was just coming out of the shower and putting on his shirt when Amy arrived home with John. Hey Amy, how is my wife to be he said as he took John from her and leaned down to kiss her only for her to turn away. Amy what's the matter he asked as she went into the kitchen to check on the dinner that Ricky was already making. Nothing, I'm just hungry she said as she looked at the stir fry which had been placed on low heat.
No, Amy something is wrong, I know when you're upset so tell me, Ricky stated placing John down. I got into an argument in the hall today with all of my friends and apparently none of them want to be around me anymore. WHAT!, he asked shocked at what she had told him. What happened, he asked with concern. Well, Lauren and Madison were arguing over what happened between Madison and Jesse at the party and when I tried to calm them down, they both turned on me. Huh, Ricky said asked confused, how could they turn on you.
Apparently, I'm the reason why Madison slept with Jesse because you and I slept together at band camp, Amy explained. When we were kids the three of us made a vow not to have sex before we were married and when I slept with you, and got pregnant with John I broke that vow, Amy said. Madison even told me that John was a mistake, and that I'm a bad mother who only uses my son for a fashion accessory, she said as her eyes began to tear up. How in the hell can she say that Ricky screamed. Amy you are an excellent mother to our son, and no one can do any better no one, he said trying to console her.
Well, what they said wasn't half as hurtful as what Ben said when I tried to talk to him, Amy replied. Ben, why was Ben at summer school, I thought he didn't have to go, Ricky asked confused. Well, he was there, and I tried to find out when I saw Adrian heading toward him. Amy, why would you try and do that, Ricky asked. Do what? Amy responded. Try and get in the middle of a confrontation between Adrian, and Ben. If those two still have issues over what happened then its' between them not you, Rick said. Well, I know that now, she responded wiping her eyes with a tissue.
And besides from how they acted I think that all that has happened between them is forgiven and water under the bridge, Amy stated. Well, that's good Ricky said but it still doesn't explain how Ben hurt you, Ricky asked. Well for some reason, instead of blaming Adrian for being a sl… she stopped herself before she could finish the statement. Well, he blames us for Adrian and Henry sleeping together, she replied. WHAT, Ricky shouted. How can he blame us for those two sleeping together. Well, he said that by us giving her what she was asking for she decided to pick up her old habits, and he doesn't think any of us should be friends any longer. Well, maybe that's not such a bad idea Ricky said. You agree Amy said looking at him with shock.
Amy, come on he's your ex-boyfriend, it's kind of odd the three of us trying to be friends after all that has happened, he responded. Well, I thought we could until he explained why, apparently he thinks you and I are selfish, and that I am a gold digging slut, she replied. He called you a what, Ricky said furiously. I'm gonna kill him. Ricky screamed. Ricky wait, Amy said as she grabbed him. He didn't meant it, she said apologetically. Amy how could he not mean it if he said it Ricky replied. Because I kind of asked for it she said sorrowfully. Amy, how could you ask to be called a SLUT! Ricky said becoming enraged. Because, I was so angry after my fight with Lauren and Madison and his declaration of not wanting to be friends I insulted Adrian, and his daughter.
Amy, Ricky looked at her puzzled how could you insult his daughter. I don't know, I was so mad that he blamed us for Adrian's mistake, that I thought she should be blamed for something. Amy, still that was his daughter and despite that I think I should still go over there, Ricky said. Ricky, Amy begged please lets just let some time pass. No, he said getting his keys, if Ben has a problem with you, then he has a problem with me, and this way I can clear the air, or finish it. Ricky, Amy yelled as he headed out of the door.
BOYKEWICH ESTATE 6:30 pm
Ben, had just finished putting the finishing touches on his English assignment when he heard a familiar knock on his door, and turned annoyed at the person standing in the door way. What do you want Ricky, Ben asked as he put away his notebook, and stood from his chair. Let me guess, he stated with annoyance. You came here to have me apologize to Amy for what I said, or to beat try and beat the crap out of me. Either way, I don't care, he said. Because I'm not going to apologize, and if you want to fight me, well lets go I might not hurt you, but I won't let you pummel me so easily either he said with confidence.
Ben, I didn't come here to fight you Ricky said, also a little annoyed and Ben's cocky attitude, and also impressed at Ben's newly formed ego. I came to try and end this feud once and for all, he said. Well, as far as I'm concerned, and as far as Adrian is concerned its over, Ben replied. You and Amy won, we lost so the two of you can live you happily ever after, and let us get on with the rest of our lives, Ben said dryly. Ben, don't give me that this was never a competition, this was us trying to be friends despite all the drama that was happening between, the four of us, and Amy and I aren't responsible for what happened between you and Adrian, Ricky said.
Ricky, I never said you were, Ben replied. I know that Adrian and I made our own mistakes and we are responsible for them. I also know that we should never have rushed our relationship just to please other people. What, I also know is no matter how much you try and deny it or ignore it this was always a competition between the four of us. Whether it was you and I competing for Amy, or Adrian and Amy competing for you. Or Adrian and I competing against you and Amy, it was always a competition and Adrian and I always lost, Ben said with an assured tone. And no matter how much you try and to claim innocence, or deny it you played it too, You played it better than me, and you won so stop trying to pretend other wise, no one is here but you and me Ricky so just stop.
Ben, you should grow up, I didn't try and compete against you I warned you not to get involved with Amy and you didn't listen, Ricky said. Because as long as I was John's father it would always be me Amy chose, he said becoming angry. Yeah, I realized that Ben, responded. But, what I never could understand is why you continued to pull Adrian into the situation if Amy was always going to be your goal. All you had to do was end it but you didn't. Every single time she tried to get away from you, you kept pulling her back in. So tell me Ricky, WHY?
Adrian, is a big girl Ben, she knew what she was getting into when we started and if she didn't know the rules when I explained them then its on her. Ricky said angrily. Ricky, don't make me hit you. Because I might not win but I can assure you I will do more than enough damage. You, had no right to hurt her like that. She loved you, she really loved you, and all you did was use her. She cared about you, unlike Zoey, and all those other girls. She accepted you for who you were, and who you could be, Ben replied. All you had to do was let her go before she got that close, but every single time you pulled her in only to throw her away.
You don't think I know that by now, Ricky yelled. I tried to be the man she wanted me to be, but I couldn't. I wasn't ready for that. She wasn't ready herself or otherwise she would have never slept with you. Ricky replied, She slept with me because she was tired of being hurt. I slept with her because I was tired of being hurt. I was tired of seeing you have that beautiful, smart, strong, caring creature waiting for you, forgiving you, and then to treat her like some common whore. Yes, I slept with Adrian because that night, I wanted to be you, but I couldn't. I had already started to feel more for her than you ever did. Ben replied also becoming angry.
Yeah, well you got her didn't you she got pregnant with your kid so why didn't you make it work, Ricky asked. Because, I loved Adrian Ricky, but I wasn't ready to be in love with her, or she ready to be in love with me. But, you still didn't let it go. You showed up at my house when I was still sorting out my feelings for Amy and literally forced me to get back with her why? Ben asked looking at Ricky. Because Amy didn't want me, she wanted you. You were the one who made her feel what I couldn't, you made her feel safe. So, I thought if I couldn't have Amy she should at least have you. Then maybe I could have been the man Adrian wanted me to be, Ricky said barely letting the statement come out.
But, all that changed the second, I found out she was pregnant with your child. I knew then, Adrian and I were not meant to be. Because no matter how much I did love Adrian Ben, she wanted you. You were the man she needed, even if she never admitted it. She would flirt with you in the hall because she wanted to see if it would catch your attention. She would watch you with Amy, not because she was jealous of me and Amy but because she was jealous of you and Amy. The only reason Adrian loved me is because she thought I was the best she could get, and she never really accepted that she could have you, even when she had sex with you in the car. Ricky said.
But, you threw it away Ben, you couldn't get over Amy. You rushed it, that's' why I kept warning you. So don't blame me for your mistakes. Ricky replied. I don't, Ben said angrily. I blame you for casting her away when she needed you. Adrian was hurt when our daughter died, and I couldn't fix her. Her parents couldn't fix her. Her friends couldn't fix her, the only person who could actually help her was you, and all you did was ignore her as if she didn't even matter just like every other guy did her.
You don't think I know that Ben, but you know why couldn't help her. I didn't want to ruin your marriage to her or my relationship with Amy, Ricky yelled back. Yeah, you didn't want to take advantage of her in her condition. You must be a pathetic person Ricky, to be worried about sleeping with a married woman who lost a child. But, then again you didn't care about that. All you cared about was yourself, because of all the times she was there for you, you couldn't be there for her not even this once. Yet you claimed to be our friend.
I tried to be your friend Ben that's why I stayed away, Ricky yelled. My friend, Ben responded. How were you trying to be my friend, he yelled back. I told you to give up on Amy, I told you to hang in there, but you didn't., Ricky implied. No, Ricky I did. I stayed. I might have left, but its because I was at the end of my rope and that's because I didn't know how to help the woman I loved get past the death of our child, especially when I couldn't help myself and I was going to therapy.
I tried going back to school to distract myself, I tried going back to work. But, each time I saw you and Amy I was reminded of what I didn't have with Adrian. Each time I saw Amy take John to your apartment I had to remember my Angel wouldn't be taking our daughter home. But, for a friend you didn't notice that did you, Ben said with a tear coming of his eye.
And for a friend Ricky let me ask you what was my daughter's name. Ricky looked at Ben with shock and at the same time he felt a sense of guilt course through him. You see a friend, a true friend would at least know the name of my daughter. But, you don't do you, Ben stated. But you know the worst, part Ricky the fact that you never even asked me what her name was.
Ben and Ricky then looked at one another. Ricky turned to leave when Ben replied and you can forget about the last competition too Ricky. What competition is that, Ricky asked as he turned to look at Ben. The competition for my father. Because you can have Amy, you can have John, you've had Adrian, you can have my job, and even my family's butcher shop But, you can't have my dad. I don't want your dad Ben, Ricky said looking at Ben.
Remember Ricky this is just you and me because we both know he's what you want the most. Because he's the only thing that is keeping you from taking my life. Ben I don't want your life, Ricky replied. Yes, you do Ben said. Because you want to stop being who you are, but you cant' escape who you are. And who do you think I Ben, Ricky asked. You are what you hate the most "Bob Underwood's Son", and not "Leo Boykewich's". Ricky wanted to turn and attack Ben for his last statement but instead he turned and closed the door, because deep down he knew Ben was telling the truth. He did want to be Leo's Son.